I was contacted in mid-April by Mr. Giommi about the possibility of coaching the Soo Thunderbirds until the end of the year due to an investigation headed up by the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. 

I have made arrangements with my employer as well received the blessing from my wife Diana and family. 

I will have no comment on the decision that was made by the league regarding the current suspensions. 

My first order of business is to meet with the team captains.   

These players have faced a ton of adversity over the past month or so, however they seem to be strong bunch that have bonded well together. Hey sometimes adversity makes one’s character stronger. 

The focus right now should be on the players on the Soo Thunderbirds Hockey Club and what they have accomplished to date. They have the chance to showcase their talents at the most prestige’s Junior A hockey tournament in Canada. The Royal Bank Cup is the Stanley Cup of the NHL and the Super Bowl of the NFL. Some of our players will never get this opportunity again. This is a once in a lifetime chance. 

I look forward to representing the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League at the 2012 Royal Bank Cup in Humboldt Saskatchewan.